Underground: On Socialism

Notes from the Underground is the story of a nameless, angry man who feels a kind of inchoate rage at society. The main plot of the novel chronicles the Underground Man's encounter with a prostitute. He alternately tries to explain the reality of her condition to the prostitute; humiliates her and abases himself before her. The short novel is a rebuke to the idea that creating an ideal world is possible, given the fallen nature of humanity. The Underground Man is treated cruelly by his friends but also treats others cruelty, like the prostitute. The Underground Man is so obsessed with criticizing and thinking he is unable to act against what enrages him. Other than occasionally lashing out at others in a pointless manner, he spends most of his days alone, in his garret. His life lacks a spiritual purpose and direction -- he constantly is angry...
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